DSWD inspection finds dilapidated gov’t-run children’s center

MANILA, Philippines — An inspection by newly-appointed social welfare chief Rex Gatchalian revealed dilapidated buildings in a government-run children’s center that houses orphaned and abused children.

According to the secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Reception and Study Center For Children (RSCC) had issues in terms of land ownership that needed to be sorted by the National Housing Authority, rendering them unable to repair the buildings.

“This one in particular, mayroon lang land issue na rinereseolve ang NHA on the ownership pero may naka-earmark na na funds for its repairs. One of my next agenda is to go to NHA and to ask them para ma-clarify sino may ari,” said Gatchalian.

(This one in particular, there was a land issue that the NHA is trying to resolve on the ownership but there is already a budget earmarked for the repairs. One of my next agendas is to go to NHA and ask them to clarify who owns it).

Gatchalian said that he will speak to NHA General Manager Joeben Tai about the issue to reach a “meeting of the minds.”

“Mag-uusap kami para we get to a meeting of the mind para pagbigyan na muna ang DSWD gamitin ito para improve na natin kasi from a 120 plus capacity we’re down to 20, from what the manager said, sayang ‘yung capacity,” said Gatchalian.

(We will discuss this to get to a meeting of the mind so that we can use it for the DSWD to improve it because from a 120-plus capacity, we’re down to 20, from what the manager said, the capacity is going to waste.)

According to Glenda Derla, the center’s Protective Services Division Chief, there were supposed to be six houses for the children and one nursery. Repairing each of the houses would cost an estimated amount of P21 to P22 million, she said.

“Mag rerescue ka, better make sure na ang paglalagyan mo ay maayos rin. Hindi yung biktima ay biktima ulit sa pangalawang pagagakaton, so ayusin natin ang facilities” said Gatchalian.

(If you rescue them, better make sure that you will put them in a place that is proper. Do not victimize them a second time, so let’s fix the facilities).

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